House needed a full reno.

I am somewhat concerned about the current housing market.

I would say the difference is largely a question of which is the better interest rate - the heloc vs the rental mortgage.  

Get a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) setup or take a second mortgage on your house and use the proceeds to fund your purchase in CR.  

Short-term sacrifices and delaying gratification will bring you abundance later in life.Definitely take advantage of your first-time home buying benefits and consider house hacking a duplex or 4-plex.

Almost anyone that owned a house in Southern California for more than 10 years is likely accredited (but they may need to move money around).  

Then you get a call from Pro Seniors or Housing Opportunities Made Equal.

going to depend on age of house how extensive updates, etc, etc, etc, there is no short cut number that will work 

DMs and reaching out online is one thing but getting out there to meetups with other investors and boots on the ground at open houses, etc is a great way to get involved.

Honestly, long term investor loans and DSCR loan rates aren't really any better than that right now.